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After it was all said and done, Ella did splendidly. We had talked about what to expect for weeks leading up and spent a lot of time looking at pictures. Personally, I got really kind of sick of it but it all paid off in the end. She knew exactly what was going to happen and what was expected. I really feel that being up front with her and proactive was the key to this being a success.

I was very worried that for the first time in her life, Ella would sleep through the night or sooth herself back to sleep every time she awoke or SOMETHING completely bizarre and out of the ordinary. Thankfully, it was like any other typical night with a million and a half night wakings, struggles to go back to sleep, and everything else we deal with.

The techs implied that they got great readings and information, so I’m really hoping the doctor will have a concrete plan to help us when we see him in late April for our follow up visit.

Traveling to and from Chicago was pretty much as I expected. We took Amtrak up to the city and got on the El to the hotel Miles and I stayed at. It was a very long and exhausting journey but much less stressful than if we had driven up. Ella LOVED the train! There were moments of “ants in her pants”, but it all passed with a new distraction of walking between cars, cows in a field that we traveled through and a whole host of other things.

We did not take a stroller with us, though it would have been a lifesaver as we walked from Union Station to the L and then from the L to the hotel. We could have tossed our luggage in it or a child, but it would have been very awkward, bulky and potentially very frustrating to take on Chicago public transit. Instead, we each wore a child and carried our bags. I think in April, we’ll wear both kids again but bring our bags with wheels. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that this time!!!

The entire hospital staff was incredibly friendly, kind, accommodating, understanding and everything hospital staff should be. Ella was simply blown away by the fact there was a McDonald’s inside the hospital. I think she thought she was entering a little slice of heaven! There was a great waiting area full of big windows, bright colors, and child size furniture that was comfortable for adults.

I wish we didn’t have to wait until late April to get results. Oh well. At least next time, we’ll know exactly where we’re going and how to get there. We’re also factoring in some play time to try and hit up a museum or something. Hopefully it will all work out. 🙂

Here are some pictures from our adventure:

The electrode attachments they left on her for us to peel off. There were 10 total It took a 30 minute hot bath and a ton of baby oil to work those things off.

Her hair was a DISASTER from the disgusting paste they used to attach wires to her scalp.

Sounds like quite an ordeal…hope you are able to get some answers soon!

What type of carrier do you use when you wear Ella? I’m curious because I’m having trouble figuring out a comfortable way to wear Katrina (almost 18 mos.) now that she’s so big, but it’s still so much easier than dealing with a stroller sometimes that I’d like to be able to sort something out.